Stephen King said, in an interview, he views himself as more of a “reporter” than “writer.” The difference may sound subtle but this idea changed my fiction writing tremendously. Using his wonderful imagination, King “sees” the scene unfold and writes down what he sees.
So, instead of trying to think of what to write, I let the chapter or scene play out in my mind. I watch the characters interact and look around the room. Then I “report” on what I see. It really is different. My description is greatly enriched and my story slows down—in a good way.